In 2014, at the age of 22, Cosme Bergareche and three university friends had a hazy but hopeful vision when they founded Pompeii as a fashion brand.
“We didn’t know exactly what to do next and just wanted to try something different. We didn’t have a clear plan or long-term vision, but things took off from day one, and we rode that wave,” Cosme explains.
Pompeii kicked off initially as a footwear brand but has since transitioned into a broader lifestyle label.
“It’s evolved as we’ve evolved. The brand reflects our own journey as people, your tastes and concerns change from 22 to 33.
“The values have stayed consistent, but we’ve found our purpose and our space. We know who we are and where we’re going, which is vital in an industry where trends can easily pull you off course.
“We define ourselves as refined streetwear, not pure streetwear, not tailoring, but something in between.”
Earlier this year, Pompeii dropped one of its cleanest collections yet in collaboration with Real Racing Club for the 112th anniversary of the club, and it all fits with Pompeii’s ongoing mission to blend fashion and football.
“We’ve been fusing fashion and football for a while and felt it was time to bring that approach to the professional game.
“Racing felt like the perfect fit, because of the city, the club’s history, the moment it’s currently in, and the colours. Everything aligned naturally with Pompeii.”
Find out more: https://en.pompeiibrand.com/blogs/journal/real-racing-club-112th-anniversary-special-edition-kit
Cosme shares how this collaboration began: “In this case, we approached the club. We contacted them with an idea and found a team eager to try new things and connect with new audiences. The timing was perfect.”
This collaboration went beyond a typical kit drop however, it featured two distinct collections.
“First, we created a fashion capsule designed to give fans alternatives to performance wear for everyday use. That collection aimed to capture the essence of Cantabria and its people, as you can see in the graphic of the pre-game tee with the beer and ‘rabas’.
“Then came the playing jersey, which built on that foundation and drew inspiration from historic kits.”
For Cosme and Pompeii, it’s never just about the kit, it’s about telling the story of the city and its people.
“A club like Racing is deeply embedded in the local community; it goes far beyond sports performance. Our goal was to share Racing’s story with the world and connect with Racinguistas at the same time.
“For the campaign, we imagined an elderly fan enduring disappointment after disappointment but always keeping his hope alive. Racing has been through a lot, but what sets it apart is the unconditional love and support the city and region have shown.”
However, at its core, Pompeii is built around clear style pillars.
“We often draw inspiration from the ’90s and always aim to embed Pompeii’s essence in everything we do. The goal is always to create pieces that can be worn any day of the week, not just on match day.
“That means we already know a few things going in: we want a polo collar, a slightly boxier fit, and a version of the jersey without sponsors.”
The beauty of this collection lies in its details, and Cosme explains some of its meticulous nuances.
“We explored Racing’s archive to create something new that still feels familiar. The thin pinstripes were inspired by tailoring. They’re subtle, so we paired them with a bold green collar, an important colour for the club and a detail that stands out from afar.
“We switched to a polyester used in the mid-2000s, with no elastane and a subtle mesh texture, for a more retro feel. We also embroidered the crest and logos for a classic look, and added an external stitched label to evoke a different era.
“We think the final jersey blends both brands’ identities beautifully.”
The collaboration quickly caught attention in both the football and fashion industries.
“The response has been fantastic, not just in terms of sales, but also in visibility. We’ve been featured in several football-fashion media outlets, and the impact has exceeded expectations.”
Cosme hopes this is the start of many more exciting collaborations to come and has his eyes set on working with top clubs worldwide.
“If I had to pick one, it would be the Spanish National Team. But there are many that would be a dream come true, Athletic Bilbao or any Premier League club.”